RETROSPECTIVE Stefan Schmidt, Winery Manager at Schloss Rattey, and Henning Ihlenfeldt, Ihlenfeldt's Bäckerei Fürstenwerder, initiate an exhibition and tribute to the graphic artist and musician Klaus Voormann: the occasion is the 60th anniversary of the Beatles album 'Revolver', whose iconic album cover design laid the foundation for Klaus Voormann's international career. A multifaceted exhibition, which is of course also an extraordinary musical treat, true to a Schloss Rattey bottled assemblage of wine, art and music.
The Beatles' seventh studio album was released in Germany on July 28, 1966. 'Revolver' marked a turning point in pop culture. The move away from classic love songs towards socially critical lyrics and experimental sound collages called for a new visual language. John Lennon then commissioned the trained graphic designer and friend of the band, Klaus Voormann, to design a "new" cover.
A milestone in graphic design history
Voormann's design, for which he received a fee of just 50 pounds, won the Grammy Award for Best Record Cover in 1967. Despite the fact that the physical trophy was later broken by the artist, the work remains an immortal reference point in the history of graphic design. The exhibition at Rattey Castle sheds light on this moment and spans 65 years of artistic creation.
Musician, producer and universal genius
The show documents Voormann's work as one of the most versatile German artists of recent decades. More than 100 record covers, countless lithographs, magazine covers and a graphic novel are on display. In addition to his work as a graphic artist, his musical career will also be addressed. Voormann played with Manfred Mann and alongside John Lennon, Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, among others. He received his second Grammy for his participation in the legendary "Concert for Bangladesh" with George Harrison, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. In the 1980s, he also shaped the success of Trio, Heinz Rudolf Kunze, Wigald Boning and the Bläck Fööss as a producer.
Current works and exhibition details
Voormann's most recent projects show that he is still working at the cutting edge today. In 2019, he designed the cover for the album "Andorra" by rapper Fatoni. His latest work will be released in April 2026 for the album "Kaleidoscope" by Austropop band Bruther.
OPENING HOURS
daily, continuously from Saturday, 01.08.2026 to Sunday, 16.08.2026 | in each case from 10:00 to 17:00 | Rattey Castle, Rossmühle
Admission: You give what you think is right - for a good cause!
Further DATES as part of the exhibition: Vernissage & musical delicacies (please see separate event)
Friday July 31, 2026
15:00 hrs | Rattey Castle, Rossmühle
Vernissage in the new exhibition hall on the castle grounds with concert/gig: Happy Füsh plays Beatles | Mark Rose from Magical Mystery Band
16:00 hrs | Rattey Castle, Rossmühle
"Revolver" Beatles expert Torsten Bock | The iconic 1966 "Revolver" album at the turning point between Yeah, Yeah, Yeah - Pop and the groundbreaking studio years
17:00 hrs | Rattey Castle, Rossmühle
Exhibition opening with champagne reception
Saturday August 08, 2026
19.00 hrs | Rattey Castle, Great Hall 'Alte Kellerei'
Volkwin Müller, Detmold | "Imagine" and Lennon's white piano ! A concert and reading about the friendship between the German graphic artist Klaus Voormann and the Beatle John Lennon with many of his immortal songs
Admission from 18:00, advance booking and box office (information to follow)
Saturday August 15, 2026
19:00 to 22:00 hrs | Rattey Castle, festival meadow & fountain
SummerJazz at Rattey Castle with Andreas Pasternak Trio: wine meets jazz from the program of A. Pasternak
Sunday August 16, 2026
15:00 hrs | Rattey Castle, Rossmühle
Finissage with Andreas Pasternak Duo - a musical review of the Beatles
17:00 hrs | Rattey Castle, Rossmühle
Farewell champagne with sale of some works of art and auction